U.S. Border Patrol change of command ceremony

On Aug. 21, the U.S. Border Patrol,
Buffalo Sector, will conduct a change of command ceremony at the Niagara Falls
Air Base Theater. This formal affair involves the swearing-in of Chief Patrol
Agent Brian S. Hastings as chief of the Buffalo Sector.

The change of command ceremony is deeply
rooted in military tradition, dating back to the middle ages, and allows Border
Patrol agents and members of the community to witness the transition of
leadership that lays the foundation for the future.

As a part of the ceremony, the new chief
assumes formal command of the sector by saying, "Sir, I assume command." These
four words are symbolic of a new beginning. For the new chief, the change of command
ceremony heralds the beginning of a challenging tour of duty and for the sector
employees it establishes new leadership paradigms and a revitalization of motivation
and professionalism.

The ceremony concludes with the passing
of the guidon, a flag that identifies a company, troop, or organization. Green
and gold streamers that represent each of the 20 operational sectors of the
Border Patrol surround the Border Patrol guidon. Passing the guidon from one chief
to another is a symbolic passing of the trust and well being of a sector from
one to another, but it also symbolizes the commitment, trust and fidelity
represented by this most sacred Border Patrol symbol.

"It is an honor to be selected to lead
and direct Border Patrol operations at Buffalo Sector," Hastings said. "I am
proud to represent a sector that has an outstanding reputation. I look forward
to working with the agents of this sector and the surrounding community"

Buffalo Sector is responsible for 341
miles of shared border with Canada. The sector consists of sector headquarters
in Grand Island and stations located in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Oswego,
Rochester and Wellesley Island, N.Y., and Erie, Pa.